11 Apr Prelude to Invasion: Living History Event
The Memorial’s first big event of the season is coming up soon! And this is a perfect opportunity for visitors of all ages to experience WWII history in a very unique way. On Saturday, April 20thhistorical interpreters will turn out in full battle gear to show the public what soldiers did, carried, and thought about to prepare for the invasion of Europe. Living history interpreters of the 29th Division, the 82nd Airborne, and British and Allied units will exhibit weapons and equipment from the period. The 111th Naval Construction Battalion will teach visitors how large amounts of troops, equipment, and supplies were moved to Normandy shortly after D-Day. Visitors can view WWII era German artifacts, attend a briefing on the invasion, walk inside a period command tent, and watch a WWII model train demonstration. Also, World War II veterans will be on site, including several D-Day veterans, from 10am to 12:30pm to meet with visitors, discuss their experiences, and answer questions.
Additionally, nationally acclaimed author Wilbur D. Jones, Jr. will be here signing books from 10am to 4pm. Jones is an award-winning author and military historian in Wilmington, North Carolina. He writes, lectures, and consults on history and national defense, serves as a media source, and leads worldwide tours of World War II battlefields and sites. Jones’s book Gyrene: The World War II United States Marine was even used as a “technical reference manual” in 2007 to train actors for filming the Spielberg-Hanks mini-series “The Pacific,”. Jones has authored many books and will be selling and signing some of them during the event.
If you know any scouts in the area, the Memorial is offering free admission for Girl and Boy Scouts who come in uniform, though pre-registration for scout groups is required. Scouts who wish to take part should call 540-587-3617 to register.
The National D-Day Memorial’s living history event is scheduled for Saturday, April 20thfrom 10am to 5pm. Tours are offered throughout the day and a food vendor will be on site. Regular fees apply. For more information, call (540) 586-3329 or visit www.www.dday.org.
We hope to see you soon!
-Megan
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